TORCHBEARER 2024: the picks, torch match notices, results

[shimodahito 316]

And just like that, what once was a nonet is now a sextet and Kintamayama becomes our sole leader.  Suddenly a 5-5 vs 7-5 TORCH MATCH on Day 13:

RIKISHI
KAYO vs DAISEIZAN

RANK
JURYO 3 WEST vs JURYO 12 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Kintamayama’s rank pick is JURYO 3 WEST
Asterix’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Shokikogi’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
48 points - Kintamayama
46 points - Athenayama
46 points - Yarimotsu
45 points - Andreas21
45 points - Bunbukuchagama
45 points - Hakuhonofan
45 points - Kaito
45 points - Ripe
45 points - Torideyama
29 points - Benihana
29 points - Jejima
28 points - Kurowashi
28 points - Sakura
7 points - Cydrome
7 points - Reonito
7 points - Shitamachi
4 points - screeching owl
2 points - Chiyotasuke
2 points - Joaoiyama
2 points - Profomisakari
1 point - Achiyama
1 point - Amamaniac
1 point - Asterix
1 point - charliki
1 point - Churaumi
1 point - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point - Furanohana
1 point - Godango
1 point - Guruwake
1 point - Jason/Itachi
1 point - kotoshikona
1 point - Kuhne
1 point - kuroimori
1 point - McBugger
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mt fuji
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Munjeezy
1 point - orandashoho
1 point - Oshirokita
1 point - Pitinosato
1 point - Reonito
1 point - Rocks
1 point - Ryoshishokunin
1 point - Saruyama
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Shokikogi
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Tetsuba
1 point - Tsuchinoninjin
1 point - umbriel2
1 point - Yukiarashi

@Asterix @Shokikogi

[shimodahito 316]

It’s all about the rank, ‘bout the rank, no rikishi picks.  Here’s the TORCH MATCH on Day 14:

RIKISHI
DAISEIZAN vs FUJISEIUN

RANK
JURYO 12 EAST vs JURYO 10 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Asterix’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Shokikogi’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Amamaniac’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Athenayama’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Profomisakari’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
49 points - Kintamayama
46 points - Athenayama
46 points - Yarimotsu
45 points - Andreas21
45 points - Bunbukuchagama
45 points - Hakuhonofan
45 points - Kaito
45 points - Ripe
45 points - Torideyama
29 points - Benihana
29 points - Jejima
28 points - Kurowashi
28 points - Sakura
7 points - Cydrome
7 points - Reonito
7 points - Shitamachi
4 points - Asterix
4 points - screeching owl
4 points - Shokikogi
2 points - Chiyotasuke
2 points - Joaoiyama
2 points - Profomisakari
1 point - Achiyama
1 point - Amamaniac
1 point - charliki
1 point - Churaumi
1 point - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point - Furanohana
1 point - Godango
1 point - Guruwake
1 point - Jason/Itachi
1 point - kotoshikona
1 point - Kuhne
1 point - kuroimori
1 point - McBugger
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mt fuji
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Munjeezy
1 point - orandashoho
1 point - Oshirokita
1 point - Pitinosato
1 point - Reonito
1 point - Rocks
1 point - Ryoshishokunin
1 point - Saruyama
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Tetsuba
1 point - Tsuchinoninjin
1 point - umbriel2
1 point - Yukiarashi

@Amamaniac @Athenayama @Profomisakari

[Athenayama 1,054]

EXCITING !

[shimodahito 316]

Athenayama moves up to second place but doesn’t get an opportunity to hold the final TORCH.  Seven players in the final TORCH MATCH on senshuraku.  It might take a day for me to tally points…In the meantime, pour a libation, celebrate a good 2024 for sumo, and contemplate TORCHBEARER 2025 picks.

RIKISHI
DAISEIZAN vs TOMOKAZE

RANK
JURYO 12 EAST vs JURYO 5 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Asterix’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Shokikogi’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Hakuhonofan’s rank pick is JURYO 5 WEST
rhyen’s rank pick is JURYO 5 WEST
Chankomafuji’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
Kuhne’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
Mmikasazuma’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
49 points - Kintamayama
47 points - Athenayama
46 points - Yarimotsu
45 points - Andreas21
45 points - Bunbukuchagama
45 points - Hakuhonofan
45 points - Kaito
45 points - Ripe
45 points - Torideyama
29 points - Benihana
29 points - Jejima
28 points - Kurowashi
28 points - Sakura
7 points - Asterix
7 points - Cydrome
7 points - Reonito
7 points - Shitamachi
7 points - Shokikogi
4 points - screeching owl
3 points - Profomisakari
2 points - Amamaniac
2 points - Chiyotasuke
2 points - Joaoiyama
1 point - Achiyama
1 point - charliki
1 point - Churaumi
1 point - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point - Furanohana
1 point - Godango
1 point - Guruwake
1 point - Jason/Itachi
1 point - kotoshikona
1 point - Kuhne
1 point - kuroimori
1 point - McBugger
1 point - Miselet
1 point - Mmikasazuma
1 point - mt fuji
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Munjeezy
1 point - orandashoho
1 point - Oshirokita
1 point - Pitinosato
1 point - Reonito
1 point - Rocks
1 point - Ryoshishokunin
1 point - Saruyama
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Tetsuba
1 point - Tsuchinoninjin
1 point - umbriel2
1 point - Yukiarashi

@Asterix @Shokikogi @Chankomafuji @Hakuhonofan @Kuhne @Mmikasazuma @rhyen

[Reonito 1,477]

I seem to be listed twice, at 7 points and 1 point?

Edited November 24, 2024 by Reonito

[Yarimotsu 588]

I distinctly remember typing J12E and then replacing that E with a W and submitting. 

As always, fun to follow along.

[shimodahito 316]

Here's a recap of the path of the TORCH during Kyushu.  Benihana & Jejima had 4-point days, and J14W Oshoumi took the TORCH on one of it's longest JURYO streaks. 

Start-of-Kyushu Rikishi: HATSUYAMA
Start-of-Kyushu Rank: JURYO 1 WEST

Day 1: Makushita 1 West Hatsuyama (0-0) passes the TORCH to Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (0-0) [3 points Benihana & Jejima & Kurowashi & Sakura; 1 point Kuhne]
Day 2: Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (1-0) defeats Juryo 13 East Wakaikari (0-1) [3 points Benihana & Jejima & Kurowashi & Sakura; 1 point Achiyama & Oshirokita & Rocks]
Day 3: Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (2-0) defeats Juryo 14 East Nabatame (2-0) [3 points Benihana & Jejima & Kurowashi & Sakura; 1 point charliki & mt fuji & Ryoshishokunin & Yukiarashi]
Day 4: Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (3-0) defeats Juryo 12 West Tochitaikai (3-0) [3 points Benihana & Jejima & Kurowashi & Sakura; 1 point Churaumi & Daughter of Sukubidubidu & Joaoiyama & McBugger & Miselet & Mmikasazuma & Tsuchinoninjin & Yarimotsu]
Day 5: Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (4-0) defeats Juryo 11 East Aonishiki (4-0) [4 points Benihana; 3 points; Jejima & Kurowashi & Sakura; 1 point Chiyotasuke & Furanohana & Godango & Jason & kotoshikona & mugatake & orandashoho & Pitinosato & Profomisakari & Reonito & Saruyama & Tetsuba]
Day 6: Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (5-0) defeats Juryo 13 West Kotoeiho (3-2) [4 points Jejima; 3 points; Benihana & Kurowashi & Sakura; 1 point Chiyotasuke & kuroimori & Munjeezy & umbriel2]
Day 7: Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (6-0) defeats Juryo 9 West Daishoho (2-4) [3 points Benihana & Jejima & Kurowashi & Sakura; 1 point Guruwake & Senkoho & Suwihuto]
Day 8: Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (7-0) defeats Juryo 12 East Daiseizan (4-3) [3 points Benihana & Jejima & Kurowashi & Sakura; 1 point Asterix & Shokikogi]
Day 9: Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (8-0) defeats Juryo 10 West Fujiseiun (5-3) [3 points Benihana & Jejima & Kurowashi & Sakura; 1 point Amamaniac & Athenayama & Profomisakari]
Day 10: Juryo 14 West Oshoumi (9-0) passes the TORCH to Juryo 7 West Tsurugisho (8-1) [3 points Cydrome & Reonito & shitamachi; 1 point Benihana & Jejima & Kurowashi & Sakura]
Day 11: Juryo 7 West Tsurugisho (9-1) defeats Juryo 1 West Kinbozan (8-2) [3 points Cydrome & Reonito & shitamachi; 1 point Joaoiyama]
Day 12: Juryo 7 West Tsurugisho (10-1) passes the TORCH to Juryo 3 West Kayo (5-6) [3 points Kintamayama; 1 point Cydrome & Reonito & shitamachi]
Day 13: Juryo 3 West Kayo (6-6) passes the TORCH to Juryo 12 East Daiseizan (7-5) [3 points Asterix & Shokikogi;1 point Kintamayama]
Day 14: Juryo 12 East Daiseizan (8-5) defeats Juryo 10 West Fujiseiun (8-5) [3 points Asterix & Shokikogi; 1 point Amamaniac & Athenayama & Profomisakari]
Day 15: Juryo 12 East Daiseizan (9-5) passes the TORCH to Juryo 5 West (6-8) Tomokaze [3 points Chankomafuji & Hakuhonofan & Kuhne & Mmikasazuma & rhyen; 1 point  Asterix & Shokikogi]

End-of-Kyushu (FINAL 2024) Rikishi: TOMOKAZE
End-of-Kyushu (FINAL 2024) Rank: JURYO 5 WEST

final TORCH MATCH point standings:
49 points - Kintamayama
48 points - Hakuhonofan
47 points - Athenayama
46 points - Yarimotsu
45 points - Andreas21
45 points - Bunbukuchagama
45 points - Kaito
45 points - Ripe
45 points - Torideyama
29 points - Benihana
29 points - Jejima
28 points - Kurowashi
28 points - Sakura
8 points - Asterix
8 points - Reonito
8 points - Shokikogi
7 points - Cydrome
7 points - Shitamachi
4 points - Kuhne
4 points - Mmikasazuma
4 points - screeching owl
3 points - Chankomafuji
3 points - Profomisakari
3 points - rhyen
2 points - Amamaniac
2 points - Chiyotasuke
2 points - Joaoiyama
1 point - Achiyama
1 point - charliki
1 point - Churaumi
1 point - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point - Furanohana
1 point - Godango
1 point - Guruwake
1 point - Jason/Itachi
1 point - kotoshikona
1 point - kuroimori
1 point - McBugger
1 point - Miselet
1 point - mt fuji
1 point - mugatake
1 point - Munjeezy
1 point - orandashoho
1 point - Oshirokita
1 point - Pitinosato
1 point - Rocks
1 point - Ryoshishokunin
1 point - Saruyama
1 point - Senkoho
1 point - Suwihuto
1 point - Tetsuba
1 point - Tsuchinoninjin
1 point - umbriel2
1 point - Yukiarashi

54 players with points at this stage -- a good start as we move to the end-of-year bonus points.

@Benihana @Jejima
 

Edited November 26, 2024 by shimodahito

[shimodahito 316]

good day all,
   The 2024 TORCH prize is ready for the winner(s).   The TORCH MATCH point leader is Kintamayama with an astounding 49 points.  But now it’s time to award the end-of-year FINAL TORCH POINTS.  To recap the rules for end-of-year TORCH POINTS, 25 points are awarded if you picked the FINAL TORCH position RANK or RIKISHI.  Additional points are awarded to the next 10 closest picks.  (10 points to the closest pick, down to 1 point for the 10^th closest pick).

We’ll start with the END-OF-YEAR TORCH POINTS for RANK.   Two players (Hakuhonofan & rhyen) claimed the bullseye with their JURYO 5 WEST pick.   In all, 47 players earned FINAL TORCH RANK points! 

MAEGASHIRA 17 EAST...
JURYO 01 EAST........(2 points: Holleshoryu)
JURYO 01 WEST........
JURYO 02 EAST........(4 points: Aled ap Tomos)
JURYO 02 WEST........(5 points: Nekonishiki & Wamahada)
JURYO 03 EAST........(6 points: Fujisan)
JURYO 03 WEST........(7 points: Kintamayama)
JURYO 04 EAST........(8 points: Umigame)
JURYO 04 WEST........(9 points: nutzername)
JURYO 05 EAST........(10 points: Chankomafuji & Jesinofuji & Taikoubana.
FINAL TORCH RANK: JURYO 5 WEST...(25 points: Hakuhonofan & rhyen)
JURYO 06 EAST........(10 points: Itachi & Leoben & Oshirokita)
JURYO 06 WEST........(9 points: Chisaiyama & Ganzohnesushi & Shitamachi & Ripe & Yubinhaad)
JURYO 07 EAST........(8 points: code_number3 & Godango & Haidouzo & LLCoolKay & Munjeezy & Torideyama)
JURYO 07 WEST........(7 points: Cydrome & Reonito)
JURYO 08 EAST........(6 points: Furanohana & Kitanoedo & Naganoyama & Tochyatsu)
JURYO 08 WEST........(5 points: Gurowake & itchyknee & Sukubidubidu & Takanorappa)
JURYO 09 EAST........(4 points: Pitinosato & Shatsume)
JURYO 09 WEST........(3 points: Senkoho & Suwihuto)
JURYO 10 EAST........(2 points: Akōgyokuseki & Karasukurai & maorencze)
JURYO 10 WEST........(1 point: Amamaniac & Athenayama & Profomisakari)

@Holleshoryu @Aled ap Tomos @Nekonishiki Banji @Wamahada @Fujisan @Kintamayama @Umigame @nutzername @Chankomafuji @Jesinofuji @Taikoubana @Hakuhonofan @rhyen @Itachi @Leoben @Oshirokita @Chisaiyama @Ganzohnesushi @Shitamachi @Ripe @Yubinhaad @code_number3 @Godango @Haidouzo @LLCoolKay @Munjeezy @Torideyama @Cydrome @Reonito @furanohana @Naganoyama @nelimw @Gurowake @itchyknee @Sukubidubidu @Takanorappa @Pitinosato @Shatsume @Senkoho @Suwihuto @Akōgyokuseki @Karasukurai @maorencze @Amamaniac @Athenayama @Profomisakari

[shimodahito 316]

Next, the END-OF-YEAR TORCH POINTS for RIKISHI.  Three players (Chankmafuji, Kuhne, Mmikasazuma) claimed the 25 bullseye points for TOMOKAZE.  In all, 25 players earned FINAL TORCH RIKISHI points. 
Kudos to Chankomajuji who was just one rank off from scoring a rank AND rikishi bullseye.  Others, Aled ap Tomos & Furanohana & Godango & Gurowake & Jesinofuji & Naganoyama & Pitinosato & Profomisakari & Reonito & Shitamachi & Sukubidubidu & Taikoubana scored both RIKISHI and RANK points; proof that this truly is a skill game. .

TAKERUFUJI....(1 point: Achiyama)
ASAKORYU......
BUSHOZAN......
KITANOWAKA....(3 points: charliki/Gibuten & Naganoyama)
KINBOZAN......(4 points: Joaoiyama)
KAGAYAKI......
HAKUOHO.......
SHIROKUMA.....(7 points: Taikoubana)
KAYO..........
TAMASHOHO.....(9 points: Obana)
SHIMANOUMI....
SHIMAZUUMI....(10 points: Ronnie/Gawasukotto)
FINAL TORCH RIKSHI: TOMOKAZE...(25 points: Chankomafuji & Kuhne & Mmikasazuma)
TOHAKURYU.....
SHIDEN........
HIDENOUMI.....
TSURUGISHO....(8 points: Shitamachi)
MITORYU.......(7 points: Wakatake)
HAKUYOZAN.....(6 points: Pandaazuma & Sukubidubidu)
DAIAMAMI......(5 points: Aled ap Tomos & Jesinofuji)
DAISHOHO......(4 points: Gurowake)
ONOSHO........(3 points: Hoshihitomi)
FUJISEIUN.....
AONISHIKI.....(2 points: Furanohana & Godango & mugatake & Pitinosato & Profomisakari & Reonito & Saruyama & Tetsuba)
CHIYOMARU.....

@Achiyama @charliki @Naganoyama @Joaoiyama @Taikoubana @Obana @ronnie @Chankomafuji @Kuhne @Mmikasazuma @Shitamachi @WAKATAKE @Pandaazuma @Sukubidubidu @Aled ap Tomos @Jesinofuji @Gurowake @hoshihitomi12 @furanohana @Godango @mugatake @Pitinosato @Profomisakari @Reonito @Saruyama @Tetsuba

Edited November 26, 2024 by shimodahito

[shimodahito 316]

With all the points added, our final standings put 85 players on the board:

FINAL TORCHBEARER 2024 POINT STANDINGS: 
73 points - Hakuhonofan
56 points - Kintamayama
54 points - Ripe
53 points - Torideyama
48 points - Athenayama
46 points - Yarimotsu
45 points - Andreas21
45 points - Bunbukuchagama
45 points - Kaito
38 points - Chankomafuji
29 points - Benihana
29 points - Jejima
29 points - Kuhne
29 points - Mmikasazuma
28 points - Kurowashi
28 points - rhyen
28 points - Sakura
24 points - Shitamachi
17 points - Reonito
17 points - Taikoubana
15 points - Jesinofuji
14 points - Cydrome
11 points - Godango
11 point - Jason/Itachi
11 points - Oshirokita
11 points - Sukubidubidu
10 points - Guruwake
10 points - Leoben
10 points - Ronnie/Gawasukotto
9 points - Aled ap Tomos
9 points - Chisaiyama
9 points - Furanohana
9 points - Ganzohnesushi
9 points - Munjeezy
9 points - Nagaonyama
9 points - nutzername
9 points - Obana
9 points - Yubinhaad
8 points - Asterix
8 points - code_number3
8 points - Haidouzo
8 points - LLCoolJay
8 points - Shokikogi
8 points - Umigame
7 points - Pitinosato
7 points - Wakatake
6 points - Fujisan
6 points - Joaoiyama
6 points - Kitanoedo
6 points - Pandaazuma
6 points - Profomisakari
6 points - Tochyatsu
5 points - itchyknee
5 points - Nekonishiki
5 points - Takanorappa
5 points - Wamahada
4 points - charliki
4 points - screeching owl
4 points - Senkoho
4 points - Shatsume
4 points - Suwihuto
3 points - Amamaniac
3 points - Hoshihitomi
3 points - mugatake
3 points - Saruyama
3 points - Tetsuba
2 points - Achiyama
2 points - Akōgyokuseki
2 points - Chiyotasuke
2 points - Holleshoryu
2 points - Karasukurai
2 points - maorencze
1 point - Churaumi
1 point - Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point - kotoshikona
1 point - kuroimori
1 point - McBugger
1 point - Miselet
1 point - mt fuji
1 point - orandashoho
1 point - Rocks
1 point - Ryoshishokunin
1 point - Tsuchinoninjin
1 point - umbriel2
1 point - Yukiarashi

   Congratulations to Hakuhonofan, the TORCHBEARER 2024 winner with a record 73 points.  I’ll be corresponding to send the prize.  
   For those keeping tabs on how often the 25-point TORCH bullseye is achieved:
         2011 - 3
         2012 - 1
         2015 - 3
         2016 - 3
         2017 - 2
         2018 - 2
         2019 - 1
         2021 - 1
         2022 - 1
         2023 - 3
         2024 - 5 
   By the way, every year there’s always a couple of players who pick a jonokuchi rikishi, hoping to get some points early on.  No player ever won using this approach until this year.  Something to ponder.  
   Thanks for participating and I hope you all can update your pick or, if a new player, submit a pick for next year.  You can send your TORCHBEARER 2025 picks to me now, or wait until the Hatsu banzuke is released.  An invite (with rules for new players) will be out soon.  Pick one rank and one rikishi where you think the TORCH will be at the end of the year.  This sumo game has a prize.  New players are always welcome.
Again, thanks.
-shimodahito

[Torideyama 32]

Congratulations to Hakuhonofan.  What a great basho.  Thanks to Shimodahito for the game.  I wonder if the 85 players with points is also a record?